Submental Artery Perforator Flap Drained Solely With the Vena Comitans of Facial Artery.

BACKGROUND: The submental artery perforator flap (SMAPF) is an alternative to reconstruct oral and maxillofacial defects secondary to oral cancers. However, vascular anomalies or surgical damage often lead to vascular crises or harvest failure. Our clinical findings suggest that the vena comitans of the facial artery (cFA) very commonly exist. This study aimed to investigate the reliability of the cFA as a sole venous reflux route for the SMAPF. METHOD: The patients were from the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Hospital of Stomatology, Jilin University. All patients were treated for oral cancer between January 2016 and September 2022. Seventeen SMAPFs were successfully raised to reconstruct the postoperative defects, of which 7 had cFA as the sole reflux route. RESULTS: The size of the flaps varied from 4.0×3.0 cm to 12.0×3.0 cm. All flaps survived. Patients were followed from 1 month to 5 years. Satisfactory restoration of contour and functional outcomes were achieved at the recipient sites. The scars were well camouflaged in the submental region. No local or regional recurrence was detected during follow-up. Patients had an overall 2-year survival rate of 100% with no suspected flaps-related recurrence. CONCLUSIONS: The cFA as the sole venous reflux route for SMAPF is reliable for flap harvesting and is applicable for immediate defect reconstruction secondary to cancer resection.

Associations between various types of activity and physical frailty in older Japanese: a cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Physical activity is known to help prevent physical frailty, but it is not clear which physical activities practiced alone or in combination are most closely associated with a lower risk of physical frailty. We investigated differences in the associations of exercise habit, social participation, and moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) with physical frailty and its components among community-dwelling older Japanese adults. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: A total of 831 older adults participated in this cross-sectional study. Physical frailty was defined based on the Fried et al. criteria. Exercise habit was defined as exercising ≥ 30 min per day for ≥ 2 days per week for ≥ 1 year. Social participation was defined as participating in community activities ≥ 1/week. MVPA was defined as ≥ 300 min/week of moderate physical activity (MPA) or 150 min/week of vigorous physical activity (VPA). We classified the participants into eight groups according to the presence/absence of these activities, and we performed a logistic regression analysis to investigate the association between different activities, both alone and in combination, and physical frailty. RESULTS: The prevalence of physical pre-frailty + frailty was 74.8% in the None group, 65.0% in the Exercise habit group, 76.3% in the Social participation group, 56.5% in the MVPA group, 58.7% in the Exercise habit + Social participation group, 44.0% in the Exercise habit + MVPA group, 41.3% in the Social participation + MVPA group, and 38.0% in the All group. Compared to the None group, the groups in which participants were engaged in any combination of two or more types of activity, as well as the MVPA-alone group had significantly lower risks of physical pre-frailty + frailty. CONCLUSION: Community-dwelling older Japanese adults who engaged in MVPA or any combination of two or more types of physical activity as defined herein had lower risks of physical pre-frailty and frailty.

Attitudes and influencing factors of nursing assistants towards hospice and palliative care nursing in chinese nursing homes: a cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Hospice and palliative care nursing (HPCN) in China is mainly available at public primary care institutions, where nursing homes (NHs) are rarely involved. Nursing assistants (NAs) play an essential role in HPCN multidisciplinary teams, but little is known about their attitudes towards HPCN and related factors. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was designed to evaluate NAs' attitudes towards HPCN with an indigenised scale in Shanghai. A total of 165 formal NAs were recruited from 3 urban and 2 suburban NHs between October 2021 and January 2022. The questionnaire was composed of four parts: demographic characteristics, attitudes (20 items with four sub-concepts), knowledge (nine items), and training needs (nine items). Descriptive statistics, independent samples t-test, one-way ANOVA, Pearson's correlation, and multiple linear regression were performed to analyse NAs' attitudes, influencing factors, and their correlations. RESULTS: A total of 156 questionnaires were valid. The mean score of attitudes was 72.44 ± 9.56 (range:55-99), with a mean item score of 3.6 ± 0.5 (range:1-5). The highest score rate was "perception of the benefits for the life quality promotion" (81.23%), and the lowest score rate was "perception of the threats from the worsening conditions of advanced patients" (59.92%). NAs' attitudes towards HPCN were positively correlated with their knowledge score (r = 0.46, P < 0.01) and training needs (r = 0.33, P < 0.01). Marital status (ß = 0.185), previous training experience (ß = 0.201), location of NHs (ß = 0.193), knowledge (ß = 0.294), and training needs (ß = 0.157) for HPCN constituted significant predictors of attitudes (P < 0.05), which explained 30.8% of the overall variance. CONCLUSION: NAs' attitudes towards HPCN were moderate, but their knowledge should be improved. Targeted training is highly recommended to improve the participation of positive and enabled NAs and to promote high-quality universal coverage of HPCN in NHs.

miR-146a contributes to atherosclerotic plaque stability by regulating the expression of TRAF6 and IRAK-1.

BACKGROUND: Atherosclerosis is a chronic inflammatory disease. The vulnerable plaque of atherosclerotic can lead to the development of many diseases including acute coronary syndrome and coronary heart disease. It is well known that miR-146a is the key brake miRNA of the inflammatory signal transduction pathway. However, the effect of miR-146a on the stability of atherosclerotic plaque remains to be elucidated. METHODS AND RESULTS: We constructed animal models of atherosclerosis and foam cell models, and overexpressed and knocked-down miR-146a in models. After staining with Hematoxylin-Eosin (HE), Oil Red O, immunocytochemistry (IHC) and Sirius Red, we used the proportion of (Lipids area + Macrophage area) and (SMCs area + collagen area) to evaluate atherosclerotic plaque stability. TUNEL and flow cytometry were performed to detect the apoptosis level of macrophages. Levels of inflammatory factors were detected via ELISA assay. The results showed that miR-146a, IRAK1 and TRAF6 were abnormally expressed in plaques of atherosclerotic animals. Overexpression of miR-146a contributed to the stability of plaques that inhibited plaque formation, macrophage apoptosis and levels of pro-inflammatory factors. The Dual-luciferase reporter gene assay, IF and FISH were used to verify the regulatory mechanism of miR-146a on IRAK1 and TRAF6. We found that IRAK1 and TRAF6 promoted lipid uptake, apoptosis, and release of pro-inflammatory factors of RAW264.7 macrophages, whereas miR-146a restored RAW264.7 macrophages phenotype by inhibiting IRAK1 and TRAF6 expression. CONCLUSIONS: We display for the first time that miR-146a inhibits the formation of foam cells, RAW264.7 macrophage apoptosis and pro-inflammatory reaction through negative regulation of IRAK1 and TRAF6 expression, thereby enhancing the stability of atherosclerotic plaques.

Effect of Isometric Tongue Lifting Exercise on Oral Function, Physical Function, and Body Composition in Community-Dwelling Older Individuals: A Pilot Study.

INTRODUCTION: It is known that oral frailty is one of the risk factors for physical frailty. Therefore, early detection, appropriate treatment, and prevention of oral frailty are really important. Tongue lifting exercise has been identified as a well-known method for improving decreased tongue pressure, one of the factors for oral frailty. However, few reports have investigated how tongue-strengthening exercises affect physical function and body composition. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of isometric tongue lifting exercises on oral function, physical function, and body composition. METHODS: Participants were 49 elderly people aged 68-79 years, who had previously participated in the "Itoshima Frail Study." Participants performed isometric tongue lift exercises for 3 months. Oral function (tongue pressure and oral diadocokinesis), physical function (grip strength, open-eyed one-leg standing, sit-to-stand motion time, 5-m gait speed, and 3-m Timed up and go [TUG]), and body composition were measured at baseline and post-intervention, and the extent of changes in each item was statistically analyzed. Furthermore, participants were divided into physical frailty/pre-frailty and robust groups based on the Japanese version of the frail scale proposed by [BMC Geriatr. 2015 Apr;15:36] and were compared in terms of the extent of changes in each item baseline and the post-intervention. RESULTS: After the intervention, oral function increased significantly together with a significant improvement in physical function, open-eyed one-leg standing time, sit-to-stand motion, and 3-m TUG. For body composition, visceral fat level and basal metabolic rate decreased significantly. Although no significant change in body composition was observed in the physical frailty/pre-frailty group after the intervention, significant improvements in several items were observed in the robust group. CONCLUSION: Isometric tongue lifting exercise can effectively improve oral function. Furthermore, it might affect physical function and body composition.

Association between oral function and physical pre-frailty in community-dwelling older people: a cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Few studies have examined the relationship between oral functions and the physical pre-frailty status, classified using physical function tests. This cross-sectional study aimed to clarify this association among community-dwelling older people from the Itoshima Frail Study in Itoshima Fukuoka Prefecture. METHODS: Of the 1,555 individuals invited to join the study, 381 (188 males and 193 females) enrolled. Their physical pre-frailty was assessed with a classification system consisting of two physical indicators (fatigue and unintentional weight loss, determined with a questionnaire), two functional components (declined walking speed and muscle weakness, determined using a body function measuring instrument), and declined physical activity (examined using a triaxial accelerometer). Subsequently, the individuals were classified into three groups: robust, pre-frailty, and frailty. Along with the number of teeth remaining, oral functions, such as masticatory performance, tongue pressure strength, and oral diadochokinesis (ODK), were examined. Data regarding social activity and exercise habits were collected, and the individuals' body compositions were measured. Odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for the physical pre-frailty were calculated using logistic regression models. RESULTS: In this study, 126 (33%) participants presented with physical pre-frailty. The participants in the robust group were younger, had stronger maximum handgrip strength, and walked faster than those in the physical pre-frailty group (p < 0.001). The robust group presented with better oral functions (masticatory performance, p = 0.015; oral ODK /ta/, p = 0.004). The physical pre-frailty status was significantly associated with age (OR, 1.111; 95% CI, 1.048-1.178; p < 0.001), masticatory performance (OR, 0.819; 95% CI, 0.680-0.986; p = 0.035), low ODK/ta/ (OR, 1.864; 95% CI, 1.069-3.250; p = 0.028), and low social activity (OR, 2.273; 95% CI, 1.308-3.951; p = 0.004). CONCLUSION: This study indicated that older people with higher age, lower anterior tongue movement, lower masticatory performance, and lower social activity are positively associated with physical pre-frailty.

3D printed smart silk wearable sensors.

Wearable sensors play a key role in point-of-care testing (POCT) for their flexible and integration capability for sensitive physiological and biochemical sensing. Here, we present a multifunction wearable silk patch with both electronic channels and microchannels by utilizing matrix-assisted sacrificial 3D printing methods. Owing to the unique properties of a composite silk film (polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and silk fibroin (SF)), the wearable sensors possess excellent tensile properties, self-healing ability and biocompatibility. Multi-layer channel (microfluidics and microcircuit)-integrated silk wearable sensors were then fabricated for simultaneous sensitive sensing of human cancer markers (carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) and alpha-fetoprotein (AFP)) and motion monitoring. These features of the silk wearable sensors indicate their potential value for sensitive sensing, which will enable them to find broader applications in many fields in POCT, artificial skin and organ-on-a-chip systems.

CD4+ T cells and TGFß1/MAPK signal pathway involved in the valvular hyperblastosis and fibrosis in patients with rheumatic heart disease.

The aim of this study was to investigate the roles of CD4+ T cells and transforming growth factor beta (TGFß1) in the pathological process of valvular hyperblastosis and fibrosis of patients with rheumatic heart disease (RHD). A total of 151 patients were enrolled, among whom, 78 patients were with RHD, and 73 were age and gender matched RHD negative patients. Blood samples and valve specimens were collected for analysis. Pathological changes and collagen fibers contents of valves were analyzed using HE and Masson staining. Percentage of peripheral blood CD4+ T cells was tested through flow cytometry. TGFß1 level in serum were identified by ELISA. CD4+ T cells infiltration and expression of TGFß1, p-p38, p-JNK, p-ERK in valves were detected by immunohistochemistry. The mRNA and protein levels of p38, JNK, ERK, TGFß1, I-collagen and α-SMA were detected by qRT-PCR and western blotting, respectively. The heart valve tissues of RHD patients showed higher degrees of fibrosis, calcification and lymphocytes infiltration, which were mainly CD4+ T cells. In addition, compared with control group, RHD patients had more total CD4+ T cells in peripheral blood and valve tissues. Expression of TGFß1, phosphorylation of JNK and p38, and synthesis of I-collagen in valve tissues of RHD patients were also significantly increased. Furthermore, we found a strong positive correlation between TGFß1 expression and phosphorylation of JNK and p38. CD4+ T cells, and fibrogenic cytokine TGFß1, which activate the intracellular MAPK signaling pathway may participate in the fibrosis of heart valve in RHD patients.

Modern evolution of paper-based analytical devices for wearable use: from disorder to order.

Paper devices have attracted great attention for their rapid development in multiple fields, such as life sciences, biochemistry, and materials science. When manufacturing paper chips, flexible materials, such as cellulose paper or other porous flexible membranes, can offer several advantages in terms of their flexibility, lightweight, low cost, safety and wearability. However, traditional cellulose paper sheets with chaotic cellulose fiber constitutions do not have special structures and optical characteristics, leading to poor repeatability and low sensitivity during biochemical sensing, limiting their wide application. Recent evidence showed that the addition of ordered structure provides a promising method for manufacturing intelligent flexible devices, making traditional flexible devices with multiple functions (microfluidics, motion detection and optical display). There is an urgent need for an overall summary of the evolution of paper devices so that readers can fully understand the field. Hence, in this review, we summarized the latest developments in intelligent paper devices, starting with the fabrication of paper and smart flexible paper devices, in the fields of biology, chemistry, electronics, etc. First, we outlined the manufacturing methods and applications of both traditional cellulose paper devices and modern smart devices based on pseudopaper (order paper). Then, considering different materials, such as cellulose, nitrocellulose, nature sourced photonic crystals (photonic crystals sourced from nature directly) and artificial photonic crystals, we summarized a new type of smart flexible device containing an ordered structure. Next, the applications of paper devices in biochemical sensing, wearable sensing, and cross-scale sensing were discussed. Finally, we summarized the development direction of this field. The aim of this review is to take an integral cognition approach to the development of smart flexible paper devices in multiple fields and promote communications between materials science, biology, chemistry and electrical science.

Inflammation-Related MicroRNAs Are Associated with Plaque Stability Calculated by IVUS in Coronary Heart Disease Patients.

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to investigate the association between inflammation-related microRNAs (miR-21, 146a, 155) and the plaque stability in coronary artery disease patients. METHODS: The expression of miR-21, 146a, and 155 was measured by real-time PCR in 310 consecutive patients. The level of hs-CRP, IL-6, and IL-8 was measured by ELISA. The plaque stability of coronary stenotic lesions was evaluated with intravascular ultrasound (IVUS). RESULTS: (1) The levels of hs-CRP, IL-6, and IL-8 were significantly increased in the UAP and AMI groups compared with the CPS group (P < 0.01). (2) The expression of miR-21 and miR-146a in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) and plasma was significantly higher in CAD patients compared with non-CAD patients, whereas the miR-155 expression in PBMCs and plasma was significantly lower in patients with CAD. (3) The miR-21 expression in PBMCs was higher in UAP and AMI groups compared with CPS group. The miR-146a expression in PBMCs was higher in SAP, UAP, and AMI groups than in CPS group. Although the level of miR-155 in PBMCs was lower in SAP, UAP, and AMI groups than in CPS group. The expression patterns of miR-21, miR-146a, and miR-155 in plasma were consistent with those of PBMCs. (4) The expressions of miR-21 and miR-146a in PBMCs and plasma were significantly higher in the vulnerable plaque group than those in stable plaque group. While miR-155 in PBMCs and plasma was significantly lower in vulnerable plaque group compared with stable plaque group. (5) The levels of miR-21 and miR-146a in PBMCs and plasma were significantly higher in soft plaque group than in fibrous plaque group and calcified plaque group. However, miR-155 in PBMCs and plasma was significantly lower in soft plaque group. CONCLUSIONS: The expression of miR-21 and miR-146a are associated with the plaque stability in coronary stenotic lesions, whereas miR-155 expression is inversely associated with the plaque stability.

Fluoride anion sensing mechanism of a BODIPY-linked hydrogen-bonding probe.

The sensing mechanism of a fluoride-anion probe BODIPY-amidothiourea (1c) has been elucidated through the density functional theory (DFT) and time-dependent density functional theory (TDDFT) calculations. The theoretical study indicates that in the DMSO/water mixtures the fluorescent sensing has been regulated by the fluoride complex that formed between the probe 1c/two water molecules and the fluoride anion, and the excited-state intermolecular hydrogen bond (H-B) plays an important role in the fluoride sensing mechanism. In the first excited state, the H-Bs of the fluoride complex 1cFH2 are overall strengthened, which induces the weak fluorescence emission. In addition, molecular orbital analysis demonstrates that 1cFH2 has more obvious intramolecular charge transfer (ICT) character in the S1 state than 1cH2 formed between the probe 1c and two water molecules, which also gives reason to the weaker fluorescence intensity of 1cFH2 . Further, our calculated UV-vis absorbance and fluorescence spectra are in accordance with the experimental measurements. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Molecular Design for Electron-Driven Double-Proton Transfer: A New Scenario for Excited-State Proton-Coupled Electron Transfer.

Proton-coupled electron transfer (PCET) reactions play important roles in solar energy conversion processes. Designing efficient artificial photosystems with PCET mechanisms is a promising solution for the growing demands of energy resources. Compared to ground states, inducing the PCET reactions directly from electronically excited states, named excited-state PCET (ES-PCET) reactions, is a more direct and efficient avenue to the formation of solar fuels. Here, based on benzimidazole phenolic derivatives, we have designed and studied some molecular structures that can undergo the electron-driven double-proton transfer (EDDPT) reactions within the ES-PCET framework. According to our DFT/TDDFT calculation results, the two protons transfer in a stepwise manner in the EDDPT process, and compared to the common way of electron-driven single-proton transfer (EDSPT) reactions, the proton transfer in the EDDPT process not only has a smaller energy barrier but also experiences a longer transferring distance, which has beneficial effects on producing solar fuels. The study of ES-PCET reactions under the mechanism of EDDPT may cast light on the regulation of proton transfer at defined distances and time scales, which is important in energy conversion processes.

Exploring tunneling time by instantaneous ionization rate in strong-field ionization.

A quantum approach is presented to investigate tunneling time by supervising the instantaneous ionization rate. We find that the ionization rate peak appearance lags behind the maximum of electric field intensity for a linearly polarized pulse. This time delay interval can be taken to characterize the tunneling time. In addition, if an atom with anisotropic electronic distribution is exposed to a circular polarized pulse, the tunneling time can also be measured and defined as the time difference between the instant of the largest ionization rate and the moment when the electric field points in the maximum of the bound electron density.

A Novel Electrophoretic Deposited Coordination Supramolecular Network Film for Detecting Phosphate and Biophosphate.

A series of new lanthanide coordination supramolecular networks (CSNs) based on nalidixic acid (HNA) ligand were designed and synthesized. Their crystal structures were determined by single-crystal XRD techniques. Thin films of these compounds were first successfully deposited on indium tin oxide (ITO) glass through one-step electrophoretic deposition under mild conditions. The europium CSN film exhibits intense red emission and can act as a highly sensitive luminescent sensor for H2 PO4- anions and adenosine triphosphate (ATP) in aqueous solution. The limits of detection of H2 PO4- and ATP can achieve 0.68 and 1.9 µm respectively. The sensing mechanism was further explored through fluorescence and UV techniques. The fabricated sensor also showed excellent selectivity towards these phosphates in the presence of other coexisting ions (F- , Cl- , Br- , I- , SO4- , CO32- , NO3- , and AcO- ) without interference. Moreover, we demonstrated the feasibility of using this sensor to detect ATP in bovine serum samples, suggesting the potential value of application in real biosystems.

A Lanthanide MOF Thin-Film Fixed with Co3 O4 Nano-Anchors as a Highly Efficient Luminescent Sensor for Nitrofuran Antibiotics.

Nitrofurans are a group of widely used veterinary antibiotics, which have been banned due to antibiotics pollution. Development of a rapid and effective method for the detection of nitrofuran antibiotics (NFAs) is an important challenge. Herein, we designed a chemical sensor based on a thin-film composed of the lanthanide metal-organic framework (Ln-MOF) {[Eu2 (BCA)3 (H2 O)(DMF)3 ]⋅0.5DMF⋅H2 O}n (Eu-BCA, in which BCA is 2,2'-biquinoline-4,4'-dicarboxylate) coated on a cost-effective stainless steel wire mesh (SSWM) by Co3 O4 nano-anchor fixation method. The MOF coatings were well adhered to the SSWM, resulting in a three-dimensional porous, flexible, and processable sensor. The structure of the as-prepared MOF thin-film was confirmed by powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD), and the surface morphology was examined by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Significantly, the Eu-BCA thin-film was highly selective and sensitive to NFAs, and yet remained unaffected by other common antibiotics that may be present. The limits of detection for nitrofurantoin (NFT) and nitrofurazone (NFZ) are 0.21 and 0.16 µm, respectively. NFAs were also successfully detected in water from the Pearl River in Guangzhou, and from bovine serum samples. Hence, the reported Ln-MOF thin-film is a promising sensor for the detection of NFAs, thereby helping to protect human beings from all manner of hazards that arise from the abuse of antibiotics in livestock breeding.

DFT/TDDFT Study on the Sensing Mechanism of a Fluorescent Probe for Hydrogen Sulfide: Excited State Intramolecular Proton Transfer Coupled Twisted Intramolecular Charge Transfer.

By using density functional theory (DFT) and time-dependent density functional theory (TDDFT) methods, the sensing mechanism of a fluorescent probe 2-(2-hydroxyphenyl) benzothiazole (HBT) derivative HBTPP-S for hydrogen sulfide has been thoroughly studied. The thiolysis reaction has a moderate reaction barrier of 18.40 kcal mol-1, which indicates that the hydrogen sulfide sensing process has a favorable response speed. Because of the nonradiative donor-excited photoinduced electron transfer (d-PET, fluorophore as the electron donor) from the excited HBTPP group to the electron-withdrawing 2,4-dinitrophenyl group, as well as the inhibition of the proton transfer (PT) and the excited state intramolecular proton transfer (ESIPT) process by 2,4-dinitrophenyl group, the probe HBTPP-S is essentially nonfluorescent. On the other hand, the added hydrogen sulfide induces the thiolysis of the 2,4-dinitrophenyl ether bond, and then the thiolysis product HBTPP comes into existence. The theoretically simulated potential energy surface demonstrates that without the electron-withdrawing 2,4-dinitrophenyl group, the thiolysis product HBTPP undergoes the excited state intramolecular proton transfer (ESIPT) coupled twisted intramolecular charge transfer (TICT) processes in the first excited state. The absence of the d-PET and the process mentioned above may explain the significant fluorescent turn-on response and large Stokes shift of the thiolysis product HBTPP.

A new luminescent lanthanide supramolecular network possessing free Lewis base sites for highly selective and sensitive Cu(2+) sensing.

A series of new lanthanide complexes, formulated as [Ln2(DCSAL)3(H2O)11]·3DCSAL·4H2O [Ln = Eu (1), Gd (2) and Tb (3); DCSAL = 3,5-dichlorosalicylate], have been synthesized and characterized by single crystal X-ray analysis. They are dinuclear clusters and form a 3D supramolecular network viaπ-π stacking and halogen bonding interactions. 3 exhibits strong Tb characteristic emission, whose quantum yield is as high as 38%. Due to binding with Cu(2+) ions via its Lewis acid-base interactions, 3 displayed a high selectivity and sensitivity for Cu(2+) detection based on Tb(3+) emission quenching. The possible quenching mechanism was further proved to be a static quenching mechanism by Stern-Volmer plots and UV-vis spectrum. More importantly, the binding constant between 3 and Cu(2+) is also calculated by the Benesi-Hildebrand method, which is helpful for quantitative analysis.

A facile fabrication of electrodeposited luminescent MOF thin films for selective and recyclable sensing of nitroaromatic explosives.

Rapid detection of nitroaromatic explosives is of utmost importance from the perspectives of civilian safety, the natural environment and human health. Herein, we design a simple yet powerful optical sensing motif based on an electrodeposited luminescent MOF thin film of {[Eu2(TDC)3(CH3OH)2]·CH3OH} (Eu-TDC, where TDC is thiophene-2,5-dicarboxylate). The parameters of the electrodeposition process were investigated and optimized. The phase and elemental composition of the Eu-TDC film were confirmed using powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD) and energy dispersive spectrometry (EDS), and its morphology and structure were examined using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). This thin film shows extremely good luminescence properties with characteristics of Eu(3+) that are sensitized by the electron-rich ligands, which allows for high efficiency in electron-deficient nitroaromatic explosive sensing. Selective and sensitive responses to a series of nitroaromatic explosives were exhibited, especially for nitrophenols (TNP/DNP/4-NP, KSV > 10(4) M(-1)). It is also an efficient luminescent sensor for detecting nitrobenzene vapour. Significantly, this film can be easily recycled just by washing with methanol. The potential sensing mechanisms are discussed in detail.

Sensing mechanism for biothiols chemosensor DCO: roles of excited-state hydrogen-bonding and intramolecular charge transfer.

The biothiols sensing mechanism of (E)-7-(diethylamino)-3-(2-nitrovinyl)-2H-chromen-2-one (DCO) has been investigated using the density functional theory (DFT) and time-dependent DFT methods. The theoretical results indicate that the excited-state intermolecular hydrogen bonding (H-B) plays an important role for the biothiols sensing mechanism of the fluorescence sensor DCO. Multiple H-B interaction sites exist in DCO and in its Michael addition product DCOT, which then induce the formation of the H-B complexes with water molecules, DCOH2 and DCOTH4. In the first excited state, the intermolecular H-Bs between water molecule and DCO in DCOH2 are cooperatively and generally strengthened and thus induced the weak fluorescence emission of DCO, while the cooperative H-Bs between water molecule and DCOT in DCOTH4 are overall weakened and thus responsible for the enhanced fluorescence emission of DCOT. Moreover, the theoretical results suggest that the blue shift of the UV-Vis absorption spectrum of DCOT can be attributed to the relatively weak excited-state intramolecular charge transfer in DCOT compared to DCO.